About Eriostemma.
Eriostemma are a passion project for me. It began when I stumbled upon Lauterbachii by chance and I haven’t looked back. They are considered terrestrial rather than an Epiphytic growers. They originate on the ground and though great growth and especially sturdy, fleshy vines, they climb and ramble through the trees in search of light. Rather than employing adventitious roots, Eriostemma rely on size and strength to reach new heights in the wild. There are several differentiating factors that separate Eriostemma from Hoya in their traditionally recognizable form, yet they retain many classically Hoya characteristics. Information can be scarce, so I’m still unsure if they have been classified as their own genus or if they’re considered a section of the Hoya genus. Regarding the differences between Eriostemma and Hoya, there are plenty worth mentioning. Eriostemma grow on robust, fuzzy vines that are thick and fibrous. The leaves of most Eriostemma are fuzzy too, though the fuzz quotient varies by plant. Some like Ciliata have a rougher texture, while Lauterbachii is soft. Coronaria has a fine fuzz, and Ruthie is completely devoid of any fuss at all. The flowers still typically present in clusters, but the numbers per umbel can be less than in typical Hoya. Like most things about Eriostemma, though, the flowers are large and even more waxy in appearance than your everyday Hoya, believe it or not. Many of the Eriostemma look almost exactly alike when they aren’t in bloom. The leaves are of similar shapes, sizes and fuzz factors. From a visual standpoint, the Eriostemma are far less varied. You’d believe the relationship between Ciliata and Lauterbachii, whereas you might raise an eyebrow when seeing Hoya Linearis next to Hoya Carnosa Compacta. They have a different set of nutritional requirements as well. As terrestrial growers, Eriostemma require crushed oyster shell or Lime to meet their nutritional needs. In their natural habitats, the uppermost layers of soil overlie a layer of limestone bedrock that adds mineral content to the soil. You can also learn more about this here under the crushed oyster shell section. Eriostemma enjoy SUN. There are some exceptions like Coronaria who prefer moderate levels of sun, but overwhelmingly Eriostemma would like to be in your warmest, brightest location and humidity would be appreciated. With that being said, they aren’t known as the most stellar houseplants. This isn’t just because they want a hot jungle in which to reside. They are also known for getting big, like several feet of thick, heavy fines big. What they are not known for is blooming as houseplants. Eriostemma are a little unruly, a little high maintenance and very rewarding. Perhaps that’s why I like them.
Below you’ll find many Eriostemma that I’m currently growing on my Eriostemma shelf in a south facing window. I have seven more plants in the process of rooting through various methods. Check here for information and updates on my experiment with rooting Eriostemma cuttings from rare-hoyas.com.